Kenya, Brazil ink tourism deal as PCS Mudavadi rallies support for Haiti mission

Kenya and Brazil have bolstered their diplomatic ties through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on tourism.

This development comes as Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi intensifies diplomatic efforts to garner international support for Kenya’s role in the Haiti peace mission.

In an update shared on his official X account on May 17, 2025, Mudavadi—currently in Brasília for the 5th round of Kenya-Brazil Political Consultations—revealed that he held talks with Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Mauro Vieira.

Their discussions centered on enhancing bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

"Had a fruitful meeting with H.E. Ambassador Mauro Vieira, Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, at his office in Brasília during the 5th Kenya-Brazil Political Consultations," Mudavadi shared.

"We reiterated our dedication to strengthening bilateral relations, marked by the signing of a tourism Memorandum of Understanding."

Mudavadi indicated that the talks went beyond tourism, delving into potential collaboration in key areas such as agriculture, trade, investment, health, climate resilience, and security, as well as aligning on common priorities in multilateral forums.

"Our discussions explored opportunities for enhanced cooperation in agriculture, trade, investment, health, climate resilience, and security, alongside shared priorities on the multilateral stage," he noted.

A major highlight of Mudavadi’s diplomatic engagements was rallying international backing for the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti.

The mission aims to stabilize the Caribbean nation, which continues to grapple with political unrest and rampant gang violence.

Mudavadi noted that he had updated Ambassador Mauro Vieira on the progress of the mission and made a case for Brazil’s support, both technically and financially.

"I shared updates with Minister Vieira on the Kenya-led security initiative in Haiti and urged Brazil to consider providing both technical expertise and financial assistance to reinforce the ongoing efforts toward peace and the restoration of livelihoods in Haiti," he said.

Kenya’s team at the consultations comprised Ambassador to Brazil Andrew Karanja and Lucy Kiruthu, the Acting Director General for Political and Diplomatic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Launched in late 2024 under a UN Security Council resolution, the Haiti mission has been grappling with financial challenges that risk undermining its continuity.

The mission’s current mandate is expected to lapse later this year unless renewed through sustained international support.

During a media briefing on May 14, 2025, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen indicated that Kenyan officers stationed in Haiti may start returning home in October—unless the mission is extended or brought under a broader United Nations mandate.